Chinese, Singaporean foreign ministers agree to uphold multilateralism, free trade

SINGAPORE - The visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday that China is willing to cooperate with Singapore to send clear messages of adhering to multilateralism and fighting against unilateralism and trade protectionism.

Wang made the remarks while meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan ahead of the China-ASEAN foreign ministers meeting and the foreign minister meetings of the East Asia Summit.

The Chinese official appraised positively Singapore's part in pushing forward the bilateral ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the China-ASEAN country coordinator for the past three years, and made clear that China always supports the regional cooperative course of the East Asia with the ASEAN at its core.

"With growing uncertain and unstable factors in the world, we should make concerted efforts to ensure East Asia's peace and stability as well as maintain its momentum of marching forward," said Wang.

Vivian, for his part, agreed that the two countries should stand out to combat against rising unilateralism and trade protectionism and uphold multilateralism as well as free trade and regional economic integration.

He also expressed appreciation for China in supporting Singapore's role as the ASEAN-China country coordinator and delivered positive remarks towards the vigorous development of ASEAN-China ties.